18. Board GamesThe next day.

  It was a rainy evening. Brando and his brother were eating some pizza on the guildmaster's desk. They ate almost half pizza at that moment.

  "Have you thought something bro?"

  The guildmaster then let out a loud burp. The other demon gred at him.

  "You're so uncouth bro... Are you twelve?"

  Gennaro blushed.

  "S-sorry bro. I forgot you're a... Refined man..."

  There was a hint of sarcasm at the end of his speech.

  "But that's exactly why i score and you don't"

  The adventurer replied with contempt, causing his brother to frown.

  "Now that we're even... Yes, i've thought of something. But you have not to mess up this time!"

  Brando then picked up a slice of pizza and ate it. His brother, who was doing the same, nodded.

  "So... What's your pn?"

  "My pn is to use him as a scapegoat for a crime i still have to think about in the next board game festival. All you have to do is to give him a little push towards taking the commission i also took.."

  "Omdrstd!"

  The guildmaster replied with his mouth full of food. Brando smmed a hand on the desk.

  "I said a push, not to boss him around as his superior, got it?!"

  Gennaro gulped.

  "Yes sir."

  "And wait some time, as usual."

  Both Brando and his brother finished eating their food. Then Brando also drank some water from a small can, before standing up.

  "Are you leaving bro?"

  "I have to think about it. Especially since the target is just below us... Maybe before leaving i'll talk to him a bit... Just to softening him some more."

  "Good."

  Brando then left the office. He descended the stairs and reached the ground floor, where Agamennone was writing something. His look showed all his frustration. The demon approached him.

  "What are you doing?"

  "Integrals."

  The young man's tone was also full of frustration.

  "Integrals? Those make you angry?"

  The demon's face was puzzled, with a hint of contempt hidden behind.

  "They do when i fail to resolve them."

  "Huh? Then let me see them, maybe i can help."

  The adventurer picked up the paper before Agamennone could reply. He squinted his eyes while reading the paper.

  'And to think math is a universal nguage... What the hell has he written here?! A dog would write better than him!'

  He controlled the paper for a while before putting it in front of the other guy.

  "You've just arbitrarily changed some signs inbetween steps."

  Brando pointed at the paper where the error were. The demon lord looked at the paper himself. He then spped his forehead.

  "As usual. I always change random signs!"

  He then proceeded to cancel everything and to redo the wrong integrals. Brando remained to watch him.

  "So... How are things going for you?"

  "Horribly."

  'Great...'

  Brando suppressed a smirk that instinctively formed on his face. Then he tried his best to sound concerned.

  "And what is troubling you, precisely?"

  "Everything! I'm forced to do things i don't want just to survive."

  The demon was perplexed

  "That's life for you... Still, you can always putsue something you like. Do you like anything in particur?"

  Agamennone thought for a bit, staring bnkly at the air.

  "I don't think so. Having fun counts?"

  Brando's expression was one between confusion and pity. Agamennone, meanwhile, returned solving the integrals.

  "Uh... Something more specific? What does give you fun?"

  "Ehm... Funny things?"

  The demon rolled his eyes.

  'I hate this guy. He's the kind of loser with no idea about what he wants. How can you manipute a guy like this, at least not without investing a lot of time... Except he looks like he's anaffective too, so the time would be wasted! But wait... Maybe i don't really need to manipute him to get rid of him... Maybe i have to manipute other people... Like a crowd... But how...'

  "For example... Do you like board games?"

  "I'm neutral towards them. Especially since i have no friends to py them with. Not that i care too much about making friends... They are more trouble than anything."

  The demon lord replied without diverting his eyes from the paper.

  "Well, if you participate at the board games festival, you can make new friends while pying games, isn't it neat?"

  "As if someone can become friends after pying a single round at a board game..."

  The young man was skeptical. Meanwhile Brando suppressed his annoyance quite well.

  'What's wrong with him!?'

  "Well, maybe not friends but acquaintances... Or potential friends. The thing is that you can meet new people."

  "Ah."

  The answer was full of disinterest.

  "Anyway, you can apply, as i did, as a security member for the festival."

  Agamennone raised his eyebrow

  "Why would i do that?"

  "Because it's better than you think. I've already done it in the past so i can tell you that, for starters, that nothing really happens in that festival. Security is allowed to py games since there is almost nothing valuable, and, while the pay isn't that much, you can eat and drink for free."

  The demon lord looked at Brando.

  "Free, you say?"

  The adventurer smiled.

  "Have i caught your interest?"

  The man nodded.

  "The best things are free things. And i may be interested in exploiting this system and getting a lot of food."

  'He's greedy, huh?'

  Brando smirked.

  "I'm rather sure there's a maximum you can order for free, still, if you are interested... Well, you know where to find the commission paper..."

  Saying that, Brando waved his hand at Agamennone as he was leaving, only to stop midway.

  "Just one more thing."

  "I've not killed anyone."

  The adventurer was puzzled.

  "What do you mean?"

  Agamennone scratched his head, with an awkward smile on his face.

  "Nothing..."

  'I'm an idiot!'

  'He's weird indeed.'

  The blonde guy recomposed himself.

  "As i was saying. The only precious things in the festival are the prizes. The first prize is twenty golden coins, the second prize is ten golden coins and the third prize is five golden coins. We of the security take turns to supervise that the prizes aren't stolen. That's literally the job other than protecting the participants from unlikely dangers."

  Brando then left the pce. Agamennone looked at him without reciprocating his goodbye and returned to do his integrals.

  'Board games festival... No problems, free food, pying games... It seems a good idea indeed...'

  As he returned to reality, he noticed that he was integrating "xlnx - lnx/x in dgoodideaindeed".

  'Drat!'

  He blinked, with a frown forming on his face. He cancelled the error and put a "dx" in the right pce. He solved the integral correctly before taking a small break.

  'Now i should accept that commission before i forget about it.'

  He searched for that commission. After reading the commission carefully, he took out the register and signed himself for the commission. After putting the register away he changed the TV channel and raised the volume with a remote control.

  'Great, there's the strong Independent damsel in distress!'

  Agamennone smirked before watching the show. After a couple of minutes, Brando came in again.

  "Oh, Agamennone, i think i forgot the phone in the guildmaster's room."

  The demon lord did not reply. He couldn't care less. Brando went straight to his brother's office. Gennaro was surprised to see him.

  "Bro, what are you doing here?"

  "I've forgot the phone."

  The guildmaster raised his eyebrow.

  "You've not forgot the phone."

  "I. Have. Forgot. The. Phone."

  Brando spook through his teeth. The guildmaster understood the message.

  "So..."

  Brando calmed down.

  "I'm going to ask the target if he applied for the commission, but first i have to waste some time to make myself credible."

  Brando remained in the guildmaster's office for a couple of minutes, before leaving and reaching the ground floor again. He looked at the demon lord as soon as he finished walking down the stairs, waving at him with a smile on his face.

  "I found the phone."

  Agamennone didn't reply. Brando was annoyed by that but didn't showed it. In fact, he approached him with a calm expression on his face.

  "Since i'm here... Have you followed my suggestion? The one about the commission?"

  "Yes, yes i did that."

  The brown-haired guy dismissed the other guy.

  'Great!'

  "I feel... Almost honored being followed like that... I'm sure you'll have fun at the festival."

  The blonde demon waved his hand again, leaving the pce again.

  "Maybe..."

  Agamennone replied in a detached manner as the E-rank adventurer was leaving.

  Later.

  Brando was now in his home, dressed in his pajamas.

  'I ate a whole pizza and now i'm hungry again... Maybe it's time for a dessert.'

  The demonic specimen opened a cupboard in his small kitchen and looked inside it.

  'Cereals? It's not what i crave now... Chocote coins? How old are these... Great! A pack of fruity candies!'

  He took the pack of candies and ate one, then he put the pack away and closed the cupboard. He then left, only to stop suddenly.

  'Chocote coins?'

  He rushed towards the cupboard, opening it again. He went to seize the sweets, only to stop at the st moment.

  'It's probably better if i put some gloves on.'

  Brando looked around the room, spotting some thin tex gloves on the sink. He put them on before returning to the cupboard, where he took and then analyzed the chocote coins. Then he put them on the kitchen's counter while he rushed away. He returned then with a golden coin and compared it with the chocote ones.

  'The size is the same! The weigh isn't but... That can actually be useful. How can someone discover a theft if everything is well thought after all...'

  He then put the chocote coins in the fridge, not before taking one for himself.

  'I don't want to risk to have them melted by a possible increase in temperature...'

  The demon closed the fridge and left the room while indulging himself in a sinister ugh.

  "Dehaha, Dehaha, DEHAHAHAHAHA!"

  'Brando, you're a genius.'

  He then opened and ate the chocote coin he took, only to spit it out almost immediately.

  "It's indeed old! It tastes like mold!"

  Days ter.

  It was te morning. Agamennone slowly approached the entrance of the board games festival, located in a peripherical grassy area of the city, where he identified himself as a member of the security by showing a paper pass and without saying any word nor looking at his colleague. After entering, he was soon intercepted by the blonde demon, who was seemingly entusiastic.

  "Hey boy! You've come after all. You know, i've told the others that you're new for such commission so i'm not only your colleague today, but also your mentor. I'll make sure to teach you the ropes for this job. But first, you have to change your clothes. I'll accompany you."

  The adventurer grabbed his colleague's arm and, together, they went to the changing room. Inside Brando was leaning on the door, looking at Agamennone who, however, was sitting still on a bench. He was perplexed.

  "What's the problem?"

  "I'd like some privacy."

  The demon lord replied in an assertive, borderline aggressive manner, leaving Brando with his eyes widened. Yet, he composed himself quickly.

  "We are both men though."

  "That's irrelevant."

  The demon smirked.

  "Ooh... I understand now... You have a small penis!"

  Agamennone raised an eyebrow, perplexed.

  "I... Don't think so... Now sod off!"

  The blonde demon raised his arms as a sign of surrender.

  "Got it, got it. I'll let you change yourself alone."

  'Fucking prude.'

  Brando left the room. However, he didn't go away. He, in fact, hid behind the door, observing the demon lord changing himself, especially, what locker was his. Once he memorized it, he left the pce.

  Agamennone, now changed in a pin light blue uniform and a tag with "security" written in it, left the changing room. Brando was still there waiting for him.

  "So, let's pair together, shall we? Especially since we also are going to guard the prizes."

  The demon put his hand on the demon lord's shoulder, seemingly warm. Agamennone, however, raised his eyebrow.

  "Well, with me on duty the prizes are going to be stolen for sure... Did you really needed to pgue me with such weight?"

  Brando put his hands, with the palms open and facing outside, in front of his face.

  "Don't accuse me. I haven't actively asked for it. We... Just got unlucky!"

  'I've indeed asked for such task.'

  Agamennone frowned.

  "As always..."

  His tone was quite low on volume. The demon heard him and replied with a seemingly warm tone, putting again his hand on the other man's shoulder.

  "Don't be so dejected. Why don't you go eating something. Remember, it's free for us!"

  Brando grabbed the man's arm and explored the festival's stands. They went towards a patisserie stand.

  "Hi, my colleague and i would like to have our breakfast here."

  A young woman approached them. Brando's eyes widened for a moment.

  "Brando! I'm happy to see you here!"

  "Domenica... I'm gd too to meet you here..."

  'Drat... This girl finds me everywhere...'

  The horsegirl turned her head to observe the demon lord.

  "Sadly you're not free now... Are you teaching the newbies how to behave?"

  Her comment wasn't really malicious, but Agamennone frowned hearing that.

  "You... Can say that. This guy here is Agamennone, an adventurer who's slowly starting doing commissions."

  "I'm only here beacuse this guy told me i'd get free food."

  Domenica and Brando were both left surprised, especially by the cold tone.

  "Brando, i don't think this guy is promising at all. Is teaching him a challenge you're doing to show how good you are?"

  "Not really, i'm just letting him explore safely outside his comfort zone."

  The demon's charming smiles started to make the girl fawn over him.

  "So... Are you free tonight? I missed you these days. I was aching for your presence."

  The demon lord ughed loudly, enraging the girl.

  "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

  "What's so funny about it? I bet you've never been in love before. Otherwise you'd understand me."

  "Luckily, you're right."

  The demon lord's expression was a mocking one. Brando looked at him with an annoyed expression.

  "This is not the time for such scenes."

  The horsegirl smirked.

  "That's right! Brando, teach him to respect the concept of love!"

  As Agamennone rolled his eyes, the blonde demon turned towards her.

  "Don't provoke him!"

  Domenica blushed, covering her face with her hands.

  "Sorry..."

  'They are two stupid children!'

  "So... We still want to have our breakfast..."

  The more expert adventurer seemingly remained calm.

  "... Domenica, could you list us what do you sell here?"

  "Sure... So... we sell bomboloni, beignets, croissants and more. Do you have a preference, Brando?"

  The girl took a piece of paper and a pen in her hand and tried to sound professional.

  "I'll have a coffee and cherry jam filled croissant, while my 'apprentice'..."

  The demon turned his head towards the brown-haired guy.

  "A hot chocote and a chocote filled bombolone."

  Domenica wrote everything on that piece of paper.

  "You can sit at any free table, i'll bring you the food."

  "Don't dare to spit in it!"

  The demon lord's tone was aggressive. Domenica snapped.

  "DO YOU THINK I'D DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT? YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF!"

  Brando put a hand on his forehead before forcefully removing his colleague from the stand.

  "Why have you said something like that... You should try to think before saying something!"

  "But that was exactly what i meant to say."

  'He's as annoying as my brother, but for different reasons.'

  The duo sat at a free table, where soon Domenica delivered the orders.

  "A croissant and a coffee for my dear Brando, and a bombolone with a hot chocote to the other guy. I reserved the right to add some dish soap to make your food cleaner."

  The girl then left, ughing.

  "Hehehehehahaha!"

  The demon lord observed his food, smelling it in search of dish soap, while Brando just ate his own food.

  "Don't worry, She wouldn't do something so stupid as to insert dish soap in a pastry or a drink. She would be found out easily and would ruin her own life over a prank."

  The demon's reassuring words failed to convince the other adventurer, who continued to smell his food. After some seconds, he tasted his hot chocote. The blonde guy, who already ate half of his meal, looked at him with a curious expression.

  "Any detergent?"

  "No..."

  Agamennone then also ate his own food. He looked at the demon in front of him.

  "So... I tought you liked Vionte... So you also love that girl?"

  The demon almost chocked on his own food.

  "No, no, what are you thinking... She just has a crush on me. I made it clear to her that i don't love her, however i told her that she'd free to behave however she wants, as long as it's not detrimental to me or her."

  The less experienced adventurer was puzzled.

  "Ah... It's... Sensible i think? Or pin stupid. Maybe both..."

  "I understand your confusion. I... Just didn't want to be too hard on her. It's not her fault she fell for me... While Vionte... She's the girl I love. And she loves me too. She's just to proud to let people know. After all, a finicky succubus is something peculiar, isn't it? and being peculiar feels great."

  The demon's tone was a calm and reassuring one. Agamennone was not really convinced by his colleague's logic, yet he nodded as he continued to eat his breakfast, while Brando already finished his part.

  'Yeah, Vionte is the girl i want to cim and to make a woman.'

  Later.

  Vionte and Timotea entered the festival. They were in a good mood.

  "Vionte, i'm feeling lucky today!"

  "So you're in for the money, uh?"

  The half succubus' tone was one of teasing. The catgirl smiled awkwardly.

  "I mean. I also want to keep you company... But twenty gold coins aren't crumbs... Not even Brando can scare me off today."

  "You know... If you need money, you can always ask me..."

  The half-demoness reassured her friend, only to be met with a punch at her arm.

  "Ouch! Why?"

  "I know you mean well, but such statements sounds... Condescending and patronizing. A lot. So... Let the poor one ask for help, there's always a dignity reted component whenever money are involved."

  The girl used a matter-of-factly tone, spreading her arms wide. The indigo-haired girl wasn't too convinced.

  "Changing topic. You mentioned Brando. Do you know he always applies as a member of the security?"

  The dark-haired girl sighed.

  "I know, i know. That's why i used him as an example."

  Her expression then turned mischievous.

  "What about your lover..."

  Vionte instinctively froze her with her gre. Timotea giggled awkwardly.

  "... I mean, Agamennone? I thought he liked games and would accompany you."

  "Oh, he's here too. He also applied as a member of the security. He told me he would abuse the fact that he gets to eat for free..."

  The catgirl was left weirded out a bit.

  "Really? I wouldn't have the courage to do that..."

  "I'm sure he can't do that. And he's too much of a coward to attempt something illegal."

  The girl smile faltered for a moment.

  "Still, the fact that Agamennone and Brando are working together worries me. I have absolutely no idea what that demon is pnning. And i hate that!"

  The catgirl put a hand on her shoulder.

  "Don't think about it now. Think about it if it will happen."

  Vionte didn't reply.

  "So, Vi... Do you still want to py together before the competition start?"

  The other girl nodded.

  "Yes, Ti. But first i want to find Agamennone. I want to py all together."

  The other girl nodded too.

  "I understand... I... Also still have to apologize for when i confronted him."

  "Right... Still, he called you crazy... Or something simir when he talked to me ter."

  The catgirl smiled forcefully.

  "I think i don't really want to apologize anymore..."

  "Ti... Be the mature one and don't escate things with a guy that wants to always have the st word."

  Timotea calmed herself, smirking.

  "You're right, one of us must be the responsible one..."

  The duo wandered around, until they met Agamennone, who was watching the TV. Vionte sneaked behind him, before hugging him from behind, with her head poking from over one his shoulders.

  "Hi..."

  Her voice was seductive. The young man blushed, then he attempted to free his neck, at which point his housemate relented. Agamennone then turned around. He was agitated.

  "You weirdo!"

  Vionte giggled.

  "I meant no harm, don't get too upset."

  The demon lord calmed down.

  "Ah... Hi."

  The cat girl raised her eyebrow.

  'Was he really forgetting to greet us?'

  "We wanted to know if you wanted py a game with us."

  "Sure... But don't make it too long, i then need to eat my lunch and then i've been put on guard duty to protect the prizes."

  The girls' eyes widened.

  "Really?"

  "Yeah... It's a burden i didn't ask for."

  The young man's tone was annoyed.

  "Who's your partner then. Guards are never left alone with prizes. I know it's not that much of a security measure but it's still better than nothing."

  "My partner is your friend..."

  The half-succubus frowned.

  "Keep your eyes open then. You don't know when he'll strike."

  Her tone was stern. In that exact moment Brando approached the group. Timotea readily hid behind her friend.

  "Hi Vionte, Hi Timotea. What marvelous coincidence to meet you here."

  His voice was full of entusiasm.

  "Cut the sweet talk Brando. I came here since i was little and you know that. Don't appeal to destiny for our enconunters."

  The man feigned to be hurt by her comment.

  "Don't be like that. If it was really destiny it would have been more romantic, don't you think?"

  Agamennone raised his eyebrow.

  "It makes no sense."

  The indigo-haired girl was caressing her friend's head.

  "For once i agree with him. This is not a romantic show. People are not fated to stay together and meet each other repeatedly for no reason other than fate."

  "Unless they are siamese twins."

  Agamennone ughed at his own joke. Vionte tried not ugh, covering her mouth with her free hand. Timotea and Brando were left negatively surprised, with their mouth open. The catgirl was also a bit disgusted.

  "Agamennone, from man to man. They say women love a man with a good sense of humor... Your sense is horrible though, so don't exercise it too much..."

  Vionte took advantage of atmosphere created by Agamennone's joke by turning around together with her friend with the intent to leave.

  "We're going, Brando."

  The duo left the blonde demon behind, with the demon lord soon following them. Brando observed them.

  "Agamennone, remember that our shift starts at 16 o'clock."

  The trio then wandered around the festival, until they found a table where there was board of Ludo. The half-succubus sprinted towards it, excited.

  "Do you want to py some ludo?"

  The other two nodded. They sat down at the table.

  "So, do you know the rules? Or can we start to py?

  The girl mainly looked at the demon lord, who remain unfazed.

  "I know the rules."

  "Ok then, let's start!"

  An enthusiast half-demoness started the first round of the game.

  Some time ter.

  The trio was still pying the game. Agamennone was leading the game with 2 tokens on the finish space, while both Vionte and Timotea had only one. However the catgirl had two more tokens on the board, while the man and the half-succubus only had one. Timotea rolled the dice. It rolled a five.

  "Great!"

  She moved a token and ate Vionte's one as it nded on the same space. The girl put her arms on the table and then her head on them.

  "I'm not getting lucky today... I only managed to put that token out after twenty or so turns..."

  "You wanted to py this game. You should have known the risks."

  The demon lord spoke in a know-it-all annoying tone. He then rolled the dice. It rolled a two. As Agamennone was moving his token, a voice spoke behind him.

  "You are scking as always, your majesty."

  The young man turned around, finding Ferdinando behind him. His expression became one full of frustration and annoyance.

  "Why are you even here? You obnoxious, workaholic piece of speck!"

  Meanwhile Vionte waved her hand at the regent, while Timotea observed the scene.

  "I'm here because i'm participating at the board game tournament. This year's one is about Ludo. But that actually doesn't matter to me, as i'll crush my competition and i'll show everyone why am i the regent by showing off my tactical skills."

  Agamennone raised an eyebrow.

  "What tactical skills?! Ludo is mostly about luck."

  The minotaur waved his fingers.

  "Nope. The fact that there are only a few moments where you can make an important decision is the reason i'll win. Because i know how to maximize my profits with only a few choices."

  "Yeah... I don't believe you a single bit."

  The regent shrugged.

  "I care not. Still, i don't really have time to waste arguing with you. The tournament's gonna start soon. Goodbye."

  As the anthropomorphic bull left, Timotea picked up her phone, panicking. She saw what time it was and stood up.

  "I really need to go! I have to leave you two alone. Well, you can always observe how yours truly is going to win."

  "Is it ok for you if we py until he leaves before watching you?"

  Vionte was a bit apologetic.

  "Sure, i don't mind."

  The other girl's tone was of understanding. As she was leaving, the indigo-haired girl told her one more thing.

  "Don't get kicked out before i'll begin watching you!"

  The catgirl turned her head around and stuck her tongue out at her friend, before leaving. Meanwhile Agamennone had already removed the catgirl's token from the board. He then looked at the woman in front of him, more or less.

  "You don't participate, miss perfect?"

  The girl gred at him

  "First and st warning: I don't like that nickname."

  Agamennone scratched his chin.

  "You still haven't answered my question."

  The girl put her elbow on the table, resting her head on her hand.

  "Well... Let's say i don't fare well under pressure. Even if I'm sure you'd enjoy seeing me throwing tantrums, yelling around and generally behaving like a bratty child."

  "But you are a bratty girl. You always want things to go your way... Should i mention how you paralyzed more than once?"

  The girl blushed.

  "D-don't think you are any better. You compin about literally anything and are very good at annoying people."

  Agamennone didn't flinch

  "I know, but that changes nothing about you."

  The girl rexed herself.

  "True... Let's return pying though... And also let's change topic."

  Meanwhile, at the pastry stand, Domenica's mood fell sharply as her eyes saw the guildmaster. Near him there was Tiberio.

  'Oh no!'

  "Domenica. I can't live without you. I honestly almost resigned from pursuing you, but this friend of mine made me change idea! I love you too much, Domenica!"

  The pin girl looked at the anthropomorphic lizard.

  "Thank you, you idiot."

  Tiberio pouted.

  "I helped putting you two together and you insult me? People these days are really ungrateful."

  "You should learn to mind your own business, you dimwitted giant."

  The anthropomorphic lizard approached the girl.

  "Well, i'm your client, then give me six... No, seven chocote filles croissant and a beer. And for my friend..."

  Gennaro interrupted his friend, approaching the girl too.

  "Your love and a slice of cheesecake."

  Domenica eyes twitched.

  "First, we don't sell alcohol. Secondly, i don't sell myself. The other things will arrive soon. I warmly recommend you not to wait here and to sit at one of the free tables."

  The girl's tone was confrontational; especially the word "warmly", who was pronounced with a threatening undertone. Tiberio left, irritated, mumbling something to himself.

  "People really don't want to be helped nowadays..."

  Gennaro, however, stayed.

  "Before i go. I wanted to tell you that i found a spot nearby where we can see a spectacur sunset. It's really beautiful..."

  "If i remember correctly i told you not to pursue me anymore!"

  The horsegirl was very irritated. Her expression however changed as the guildmaster picked up a golden coin.

  "I can pay you a golden coin."

  The demon's tone was rather desperate. Domenica thought for a moment, scratching her cheek.

  "Three. Three golden coins... And i'll see the sunset with you"

  She first made the number three sign with her hands, then she made a cute face, cpping her hands together.

  "I accept!"

  Gennaro took out his wallet. He then put the three golden coins on the counter. The horsegirl collected them swiftly.

  "It's a pleasure to do business with you."

  "I think the same, my sweet Domenica."

  The girl waved at the demon as he went towards the table where Tiberio was sitting and joined him.

  "I have a chance with her. I managed to invite her to see the sunset with me!"

  He was excited.

  "Great! I knew you shouldn't have resigned to sway her!"

  The anthropomorphic lizards was as excited as Gennaro. They then gave each other a high five.

  "I had to invest three golden coins, but what's money when love's involved?"

  "Indeed. Love is way more important than soulless money."

  The duo gave each other another high five. A couple moments ter, their food arrived, delivered by Domenica.

  "The cheesecake for Gennaro... And the seven croissant for his friend."

  She put the food on the table. Then she looked at the guildmaster.

  "I should be free around 19 o'clock. I'll be waiting for you."

  The girl left, while the duo started to eat their food, not before giving each other a third high five.

  Later.

  It was around 15:45. Agamennone and Vionte were still pying the game while eating a hamburger each. Vionte ate a standard hamburger, while the demon lord ate a double hamburger without vegetables.

  "You're foolishly stupid though. I said that i could get your hamburger for free, instead you had to come with me and pay for your own. You're stupid indeed."

  The man was compining against Vionte.

  "As i said. I have money and i'll pay for any food i'll buy."

  The girl was replying with an assertive tone. She then rolled the dice. It rolled a four. She moved her pawn on the board. She was losing, as she only had a token on the finish and one on the board while her housemate had three tokens on the finish and the st on the board.

  "That mindset of yours is the reason you've always arrived dead st in these games."

  The demon lord pointed a finger towards the girl, who gred at him.

  "So you've started an argument and now you're trying to deflect from it with a humourous senseless critique?"

  "Indeed."

  Agamennone rolled the dice. It rolled a five. The demon lord moved the token, who was dangerously close to the finish. Around that moment Brando appeared.

  "Agamennone. I've found you, we have to go. It's the time for our shift."

  He then observed the board on the table. He smirked.

  "Vionte, that's not like you... Do you need some support while you have a chance not to lose?"

  The girl scoffed.

  "It's just a game, who cares if i lose. And no, i don't need you, nor i want you."

  The blonde demon ughed.

  "Oh, Vionte, unwavering as always, like a block of iron."

  "Put it in some hydrochloric acid and see how much unwavering is a block of iron..."

  Agamennone's tone was casual. The girl observed both men.

  "Shouldn't you go to work?"

  "Agamennone, you've managed to annoy her..."

  The adventurer winked at the other man. He then changed expression

  "Still, we have a shift to start. We can't lose anymore time."

  The demon lord turned towards the other man.

  "She lost every single game till now. And i don't want to let her win because i left."

  Vionte blinked twice.

  "Then let me surrender, so you won't be te."

  The brown-haired man was perplexed. He looked at the girl for a moment.

  "Ok then... I wouldn't have done that though. I would have waited for you to leave in a hurry to get a free win."

  "I know."

  The woman was blunt. Agamennone left together with Brando, waving his hand at Vionte who replied with the same gesture. While walking the duo encountered Tiberio, who as soon as he noticed Agamennone pouted, turning his head the other side. Agamennone giggled.

  'That idiot. Does he really thought we were friend?'

  The couple soon arrived at the location where the prizes were kept: A small, pin, unremarkable wooden cabin with another member of the security waiting outside the door.

  "You've arrived!"

  That member, an elven half-demon with green hair and yellow eyes, took out a walkie-talkie and spoke into it.

  "It's time for the changing of the guard."

  After a couple of moments a man, a simple human, exited the cabin.

  "Good luck with your shift."

  "Thank you."

  Brando smiled. There was a hint of anticipation in it. Agamennone, instead, observed the scene silently. Meanwhile the other security members left the duo.

  "So... One of us has to work inside the hut while the other works outside. If you have nothing to object to, i'd rather work inside."

  "I want to work inside too. I think she is exaggerating, but i don't think Vionte is worried for no reasons."

  "Well then, since you're the newbie here, i'll let you stay on the inside, as you want."

  The demon opened the cabin's door, letting the other man inside. He then closed the door after the man was inside. His mouth twitched.

  "That wench's opinion is still influencing him... Well, that doesn't really mind. I'm close to execute my pn."

  Brando picked his walkie-talkie.

  "Listen. We are going to talk through here, mostly so i can update you to what's happening. Understood?"

  "I'm not an idiot!"

  The demon lord's tone expressed his annoyance.

  "Calm down... I only wanted to help you..."

  The blonde demon kept a calm expression.

  "... Sorry."

  The duo then commenced to effectively work.

  ---

  Some time ter.

  "I'm thirsty, i'd like to drink something."

  "We shouldn't leave our pce, if possible..."

  Brando's tone was stern, before mellowing out.

  "However, if you really are thirsty, you can go. I just wanted to emphasize the importance of our work."

  "Yeah yeah yeah... As i said, i'm not stupid. I'm really thirsty!"

  Agamennone exited from the hut with an annoyed expression on his face. As he leaving, the blonde demon stopped it.

  "Just... A thing... I... Also need to go to the bathroom... So... When you return i'll go. And return soon if possible."

  The young man smirked.

  "We shouldn't leave our p-"

  "Are you really parroting me? Don't make me have a change of heart!"

  Brando's irritation only made the other man smile more. Agamennone then left.

  'That's my occasion.'

  As soon as the demon lord was far enough, Brando sneaked into the cabin. He approached the first prize, which was inside a bag made of cloth with a big bck "1°"1 1st on it. He then opened his backpack and took out a pair of thin tex gloves and putting them on. He then opened the bag, taking out all the coins from it and making a pile out of them. He then took out from his backpack another clothed bag, opened it and put its content, twenty chocote coins, in the first prize bag. He then closed the prize bag and put the real golden coins in his own bag, which was then put inside the backpack. He then removed his gloves, put them into his backpack and then he closed it as he left the hut. Outside, he saw that his colleague wasn't near.

  'I forgot how little could i know about the target's position in here... Still, the first part of the pn is done.'

  Brando then waited for Agamennone to return, which happened around a minute ter. As he saw him, he faked a face dull of discomfort.

  "Finally! Now, if you excuse me, i have to go!"

  The blonde demon walked away from the hut with fast pace. He then went to the changing room, where he pnted the stolen coin in Agamennone's locker. As he was leaving, however, he noticed the bathroom of the changing room.

  'Since i said i was going to the bathroom... I can really go there... So i can't get accused of lying.'

  The demon went in the bathroom. Once he expleted his bodily function, he was ready to go, however he glimpsed at the toilet behind him. An idea came in his mind as he smirked.

  'It's worth an attempt.'

  He took out the tex gloves from his backpack. He put one glove inside the other, then he burnt them with magic, creating a small fme in his hand. Once they were half burnt, he threw the gloves in the toilet and flushed it. He let out a deep, sinister ugh as he watched the remains of his gloves go away.

  "Muahahahahaha!"

  With a satisfied look, he then calmly returned to his pce. When he reached the cabin, he knocked on the door.

  "Identify yourself!"

  "Agamennone, it's me, Brando. I've returned"

  "And did you have to knock on the door? Couldn't you just tell me through the walkie-talkie?"

  The brown-haired man was annoyed. Brando frowned.

  "I thought it was friendlier this way."

  "... Ah..."

  "Gd to have your comprehension."

  Brando rexed himself, as he returned to his pce.

  Later.

  It was evening. A loud voice suddenly thundered

  "I'VE WON! I'VE REALLY WON!"

  Timotea, who was sitting at the table where the final round was pyed, jumped high, knocking back the chair from the enthusiasm.

  "This year's board game tournament has a winner! And the winner is miss Timotea Iodice!"

  While the announcer yelled the first result obtained, the catgirl was jumping around, when Vionte pyfully jumped at her, hugging her and joining her in her celebrations. At the table, Ferdinando scoffed. He turned towards the other pyers.

  "She got lucky."

  The announcer, who was also the organizer and an half-elf woman, approached the two girls. She grabbed Timotea's arm, raising it over their heads.

  "As the winner, you are entitled to the first prize of... Twenty... Gold... Coins!"

  The catgirl cpped her hands, still jumping from her sheer happiness. She then hugged her friend again. Meanwhile the organizer signaled two security members to fetch the prizes.

  "Still, the tournament hasn't finished, since there are the second and third spot to cim!"

  The couple of security members reached the cabin where the prizes where located. They met Brando outside, who looked at them with curiosity.

  "Hi, has something happened?"

  "Yes, the winner has been decided. We are here to collect the first prize."

  "Oh... So we weren't able to see the winner... win..."

  "I know, it sucks. Now, we have to enter though."

  The blonde demon put his hands in front of himself, the palms pointed outwards.

  "A moment please. Let me tell my colleague inside, otherwise he may attack you. Maybe not outright attack, but he's been hostile with me when i returned from a bathroom break..."

  The two men looked at each other in search of answers.

  "Hostile?"

  "Oh, don't worry."

  Brando reassured his colleagues, as he took the walkie talkie in his hands

  "Agamennone, it's Brando. Two colleagues are going to enter. Don't be hostile."

  The demon lord didn't reply. He just opened the door, letting the other security members in. One of them then took the bag containing the first prize in his hands. He was a bit puzzled.

  'There's something that doesn't convince me in this bag. Nah, maybe it's just my mind tricking me.'

  The security members then left the hut and returned to the organizer. They gave her the bag. As she took her, her expression changed.

  "There's something wrong with the prize!"

  As she said that Timotea, who was trembling from excitement and had an awkward, dumb smile on her face, was shocked. She snatched the bag herself. She opened it and took a coin out of it.

  'It's really light.'

  She looked at it closely, noticing that the coin had an outer peel, and then she opened the coin, revealing the chocote inside.

  "Those are not gold coins! Where's my prize!"

  The catgirl snapped, to the point her retractile cws emerged. She was furious. Vionte put an arm on the girl's shoulder.

  "Ti, calm down please."

  The dark-haired dy turned towards her friend, calming herself down.

  "Thanks Vi, i was losing my patience... But all my money... Have disappeared."

  The organizer, while fuming herself, approached the young woman.

  "Don't worry. We'll make sure to give you the money we promised. And whoever is behind this theft is going to be punished accordingly."

  The organizer had an unsettling expression on her face, with a ssher smile and crazed eyes. It was so terrifying that Timotea and Vionte made a step backwards, scared a bit by the expression.

  "I... Am more interested in getting my money back."

  At that time the regent approached the organizer. His moves were stiff and exceedingly formal.

  "As the current ruler of this kingdom, i, Ferdinando Valvassori, will personally help searching for the missing first prize. For such a petty theft is a grave offense towards the peace and the stability of our nation. I'll indeed make sure that the thief will be punished for such crime."

  His tone was serious and intense. The audience cheered at his speech.

  "Well said!"

  The excited half-elf spped the anthropomorphic bull's back, leaving him bewildered.

  "That hurts!"

  "Oops..."

  The organizer smiled awkwardly, before returning to a stern expression.

  "The tournament is officially interrupted until further notice."

  The audience cpped their hands. Meanwhile Vionte failed to reassure her friend

  "Ti... You know, i can always lend you a couple of coins if you really need them... Punishing our thief should be our priority."

  The young woman hit her friend's arm with a light punch.

  "Vi... As i said, i appreciate your concern but you really sound condescending..."

  The half-succubus crossed her arms.

  "I'm not of the same opinion. But that's not important now."

  The catgirl looked at the chocote coin still in her hand. Curious, she smelled it.

  "Uh? It's moldy! Not only they stole my prize, they repced it with inedible chocote!"

  Vionte giggled as she heard that. The catgirl rolled her eyes.

  "I'm sure it's funny for you... Real coins repced with chocote ones, not even edible anymore. However i'd like to know how much would you giggle if that happened to you..."

  "S-sorry... But i indeed find this story very funny..."

  Timotea smiled awkwardly, trying to contain her frustration.

  "I can't really bme you. The story is indeed funny."

  The indigo-haired girl put a hand on her friend's shoulder.

  "You'll get your money... Even if these coins are lost the organizer is bound by the rules to give you your prize, and if they won't do that you can always sue them. But that's not what we should think about now, as you teach me. Let's celebrate your victory together and let's have fun together! And it's on me, no excuses."

  The girl grabbed Timotea by the arm, before leaving the scene together at a swift pace.

  "Where are we going? And you know that i don't like that you offer me stuff!"

  Vionte smiled.

  "I don't know, we'll choose together. Whatever fancies you is ok for me too."

  The bck-haired catgirl rexed herself.

  "Ok, i'll think about it. Still, you've not answered my question..."

  The half-succubus smiled awkwardly.

  "Hehehe... You know... If i was in your pce... I'd probably be really angry... Maybe i wouldn't show it altogether... But i'd boil from anger..."